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The Growing Child: 2-Year-Olds

How much will my child grow?

After a child's second birthday, the rate of growth continues to slow. Two-year-olds are very active and begin to lose the appearance of a baby. While all children may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for 2-year-old boys and girls:

Weight. Average gain of about 4 to 6 pounds per year

Height. Average growth of about 2 to 3 inches each year

What can my child do at this age?

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your child may reach in this age group:

Walks and runs well

May jump awkwardly

Begins to throw, kick, and catch balls

Can stand momentarily on one foot

Climbs on playground structures

Turns doorknobs and lids

Begins to ride a tricycle

Builds towers of 10 blocks by 3 years old

All 20 teeth appear by 3 years old

Appetite decreases greatly

Has developed right- or left-handedness by 3 years old

Turns pages in a book, one at a time

Has good thumb and finger control

Can drink through a straw

Begins to have bladder and bowel control

May still take an afternoon nap

May sleep 11 to 14 hours in a 24-hour period (including naps)

What can my child say?

Speech development is very exciting for parents as they watch their children become social beings that can interact with others. Speech at this age is becoming clearer and the child begins to form sentences. While every child develops speech at his or her own rate, the following are some of the common milestones in this age group: